My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

even offer some to anyone, a group of children was surrounding her and staring eagerly at the

is

lifted a knife and a paper

Julian stopped her and pulled some candles out of a box to the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday. Before she treats you

head of the group, which happened to be a little girl

the ‘Happy Birthday’

her eyes and

Rachel must blow out

to Julian that there was no

the children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices would have a healing effect on any

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t

head to look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even

clasped her hands and made a wish. After

say thank you!” their

their paper plates, the children raced off, dabbing icing on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed closer and the whole scene

smiled for the first time in days.

Walking her back to her apartment building, Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood.

I might as well pretend

and told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately, so make sure to

turned and headed toward

her apartment and about to

loud slam, the door was propped open by

her, his darkened face made all the

on

house and

“I see you’ve been getting along fine without

she took two steps back. Why are

at her resentfully, he stalked toward her as he pulled

suppose you

her, forcing

no idea

caught hold of her arm and pulled, she staggered after him and was